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No, he didn't give it back to the owners. It was used to sign Buxton, Berrios, Bard, et.al. The Twins spent well over $15mm last year in the draft and signing International players ($12mm on first ten rounds, $2.9mm International), versus roughly half that in previous years. Add those dollars to what was spent on major league payroll and the difference is much smaller.

No, we know more about Mr. Ryan's role in Bill Smith's regime. Anyone that knows Mr. Ryan, even a little, knows that he would take a back seat once he left the GM's office. His involvement in Mr. Smith's decisions would be only if asked.

There is a strong liklihood that Hermsen begins his season back at New Britain. Right now Rochester's potential starting rotation includes Nick Blackburn, Sam Deduno, Shairon Martis, Esmerling Vasquez and P.J. Walters. Four of those five pitched for the Twins last year and all five are on the Rochester roster and off the 40-man roster. Add Pedro Hernandez to that group and at least one of three others on the 40-man roster, DeVries, Gibson or Hendriks, and you have seven or eight potential starters without including anyone from New Britain. Granted, Hermsen, Darnell or another New Britain starter could have a phenominal spring training and force themselves onto the AAA staff. But with all those starters penciled into the Rochester rotation makes it unlikely. And those names don't include any other AAAA starters the Twins may sign this winter as they attempt to fill out their rotation. With that said, I do see Hermsen and Darnell both being called up to Rochester when they do need additional starters later in the season.

Thanks David, and if you do care to respond, I have a question. You mentioned a specific game against the Cedar Rapids Kernels. Well, next year those Kernels are going to also be Twins. What can you tell us about playing there, the ballpark, the people. Thanks!

A better comparison is Meyer's 2012 results vs. Johnson's first full year out of USC at the age of 22 (1986). Johnson spent that year in the Florida State League after pitching 27.1 innings in the NYPL after being drafted and signing a year earlier. In 1986, Johnson posted a 3.16 ERA in 119.2 innings. He had 133 strikeouts and a whopping 94 walks. The only significant difference I see is that Meyer walks a lot less batters.

Watched him pitch against Rochester last summer. They lite him up and he looked terrible. A week or so later, they again faced him in Georgia. Didn't see that game, but he pitched much better and I believe he got the win. Is he someone to be interested in, certainly. But after being non-tendered I would see him coming only for a minor league contract with an invite to spring training.

Congrats A.J! Can't tell you how good it is to see an Excelsior Legion alum break into the big leagues of baseball media and reporting with BA.

Ryan was interviewed on one of the stations last night (I think it was ESPN 1500). Didn't hear the interview, but heard them play back a comment he made. A comment that is consistant with what he has been saying since the season ended. He said that their money would be used for pitching. He also said they would tweak the lineup a bit. But he was clear that the majority of their money would go to the pitching staff.

He's no longer considered a catcher. He's a first baseman. Thanks, I hadn't followed him since he left the Mariners.

Remember when Romero was added to the 40-man roster while at Beloit? After a disappointing season, including injury, he was removed a year later. He has quietly moved up the ladder and following last year's all-star season is again a real prospect. Doubt he will be in contention for the third base job this year, but by September or spring, 2014 he could be.

If I recall, the Twins tried very hard to sign him following the draft. He chose instead to attend college. That worked out well as he was the Mariners first round pick, #3 overall. I believe he set some type of national home run record while in high school. Most likely will be at Rochester, although they now have four catchers (Clements, Fryer, Herrmann and Lehmann) which seems a bit crowded. Will Lehmann begin another year at AA? Or is this a sign that Butera could be on his way out as a non-tender candidate? On the other hand, the Twins always like to have a couple AAAA catchers around.

Now that your big day is behind you, Congrats! I second everything Mr. Crikket said above. They, Bonnie in my case, always know and are always right. Even when we are sure we are.

With comments like this, calling Mr. Ryan a con man or liar, I respectfully request that Seth and the others here restrict you from access to their site. And what is more telling about your comments above, Mr. Ryan wasn't the general manager before and during the 2011 season.

Where is your apology for what you called Mr. Ryan?

I will give Mr. Ryan his due. He is the biggest con man since P.T. Barnum!!! He is quoted last spring as saying he expected the twins to compete for the central division title. Now as for those incredible central division titles that we did win , remember how strong and mighty our division was. The twins would have been in last place in the eastern division.!! That makes Mr. Ryan a genious? Look at the studs he brought in last year. Jason Marquis. He sure put the fear in opposing batters. A part timer in Doumit? A shortstop who was ready for the baseball nursing home in Carrol? He did get some power from Willingham, but look at his batting average. Pitching and defense win championships!!! Where are they? We had the highest era in the al. we were tied for last in home runs in the al. We had a below average team batting average in the al. I almost forgot about our Japanese star,but then his performance was quite forgetable. Do I need to go on any further about Mr. Ryans genius? Trader T, I am waiting for your apology to Mr. Ryan. He has earned our respect. Whether or not we agree with every move he makes, your comment about him was unrespectful and in poor taste. Step up and do the right thing!

I try to not comment to most of these statements, however, this is just plain disrespectful to a man who has dedicated his life to the Minnesota Twins organization. I for one believe you owe Mr. Ryan an apology.

I expected Pinto, however, am a bit surprised that they added 8. Expect they will make a move or two before the Rule 5 draft as they certainly will want to look at potential starting pitchers. Most likely to be moved could be Fields.

Seth, The toughest decision is going to be what to do, or not do, with Salcedo. Highest ceiling of all the pitchers at risk except Gibson. But after missing nearly all of last year and pitching at Hi-A, would he really get drafted? And if he does, could he stick with a team? Like you, I have been looking for their announcement since Friday You also didn't mention Josmil Pinto. I can't see the Twins having five catchers on their roster, but Pinto had an awesome year and may be the best 'catcher' in their system.

John, Kepler is that athletic speciman teams in every sport drool over. He stands 6'4, runs like a deer and has a big time arm. He is fast enough to play center, but will probably end up in a corner outfield spot. He has the body and swing that suggests he should develop reasonable power, which began last year at ETon. He has a physical gift and all the tools to become that coveted five-tool player. And with his pedigree, I expect he can dance on his toes. Coming out of Germany, he didn't have the experience and didn't play against the level of competition you would expect from players in the U.S., Dominican Republic or Venezuela. Everyone knew he would require more time to develop than your typical prospect. After a couple ok years in the GCL and Appy League, he had his first big year last year when he repeated at ETon. What can he become? I see his ceiling as a corner outfielder who will hit over .300 average with a good walk to strikeout ratio which should put him well over .350 OBP. As for power, I see a reasonable number of doubles, nearly double figures in triples and over 20 home runs. Add twenty or so stolen bases at an 80% success rate and you have a very valuable player. As for his arrival date? I see him breaking in late in 2015.

John, I am confused about the point you are making. It seems you are saying that someone who has done well at AA should be ranked higher than someone in rookie ball. Is that your point? Yet, you state that Hicks and Rosario should be rated higher than Buxton and even Sano. Considering Rosario and Sano played at the same level (Beloit) last year, you lost me.

I am in 100% agreement. I don't see Terry Ryan ever admitting to the public that they are playing to be in contention in 2015, even if that is the plan.

Nine of the ten pitchers with the most innings pitched (25.0+) had ERA's of 2.43 or less. Montanez was best at 0.36 with Lo and Rosario both under 1.65. But Sanudo, Gibbons, Jorge, Landa, Minnesota's own Austin Malinowski, and De La Cruz were all between 2.00 and 2.43. Incredible group of young arms. Will they all make it? Of course not. But with nine exciting young arms one would think at least a couple will someday be pitching at Target Field.

Thank you!

Good morning Seth. I think there are two locks (Gibson and Hicks). Then there are three more of which I think they will add one or two. They are Hermsen, Pugh and Tonkin. Pugh passed through last year, yet was much better this year. Tonkin is very good, but how many Hi-A relievers get picked? Hermsen I think will also get added. Santana is another prospect who could be lost, but again was a Hi-A player. Not many A ball players get selected.

As we approach the hot stove league season, this is a good read as we begin to guess at what Mr. Ryan is thinking. If you look at what the Twins have paid young players in the past, you will see that your estimates for players such as Dozier, Florimon, Plouffe, Parmelee, Escobar, Mastroianni, DeVries, Hendriks, Burnett and Fien are probably high. Most will earn at or near the minimum of $490,000. With these ten players on your roster, that is a savings of a million plus. It is also unlikely that Burton and Duensing will each make $3.0mm. Regarding Guerra, it is as likely he will be removed from the 40-man roster as it is that he will be with the Twins when they break spring training. I expect what to do with him will be an interesting discussion when the front office meets for their meetings in a few weeks.